Chef Oscar Manresa Brings a Taste of Barcelona to Miami

Brickell’s Perfecto Gastrobar is exactly that, a ‘ perfect’ Barcelona import in Miami, which includes the humble and passionate chef/owner Oscar Manresa. Starting his career in his native hometown in Barcelona, chef Oscar Manresa grew an empire of six restaurants consisting of various concepts to tap him as a well-known restaurateur. Offering his skillset and expertise in Spanish tapas to the Miami market, we wanted to learn more about his first restaurant on American territory as well as his challenges, influences and inspiration. With a menu filled with quality plates with chicken croquettas, octopus served over gently roasted tomatoes, patatas bravas, an array of Spanish cheese, plus infused sangria and mojito-injected melons, we were excited to hear from the chef about his new venture.

Q: Where are you from in Barcelona?A: I was born in the Mariner neighborhood of Barcelona close to the Mediterranean Sea. When I would open the window of my room, I could breath in the ocean air.

Q: When did you decide to become a chef ?A: My passion started 20 years ago after traveling around the world and tasting all kinds of cuisine. I decided I wanted to show my city in Barcelona cuisine of the world. It was a way of transmitting our culture.

Q: Did you have any mentors who helped guide you to becoming a chef and restaurateur?
A: After working as an executive in a multinational corporation selling goods, my step could only move towards working for myself. This is how I always evolved personally.

Q: Did anyone offer any advice that has stuck with you throughout your culinary journey as a restaurant owner?
A: Be dedicated, respectful, and professional, and above all, do your job with double the amount of passion.

Q: How do you balance your time between your six restaurants and Barcelona and Miami?
A: Lots of travel. I’m back and forth each month.

Q: How did you decide to open your first American restaurant in Miami?
A: Miami has the perfect climate to show our Mediterranean diet.

Q: How does Perfecto differ from your restaurants in Barcelona?
A. I tried to put something from all my restaurants in Barcelona into the restaurant in Miami.

Q: How would you describe Perfecto to someone who hasn’t heard of it?
A: Perfecto is part of Barcelona in Miami—from the moment you walk in, you can see, smell, taste and feel as if you’re in Barcelona City, Mediterranean and Cosmopolitan.